“Fine,” I say, heart softening. He may try to act like a hardass, but I can tell that he’s struggling to not throw himself into fully enjoying the weekend as a married couple. If he wanted some goofy pictures, so be it.
I finish my polenta, licking the spoon, and after an internal argument with myself to not lick the paper as well, I toss the container away. My belly is full and I’m feeling nostalgic for the happier times with Alex, so I lean on the wrought-iron railing around the dock, positioning myself so the sunset behind Alex is lovingly lighting my face. The light is slipping through the spaces between the beautiful old buildings, glinting on the gold and bronze accents and the water of the canal.
“Can you take a picture of me?” I ask Alex. He takes a few steps back and raises his phone to snap the photo, but before he does, he looks up from the screen and freezes, a look of hunger that has nothing to do with food on his face before he shakes himself out of his reverie and takes the picture.
“You look lovely,” he tells me as he shows me the shot. Then we continue walking and head to a Venetian mask shop that Alex tells me is called “Ca’ Macana.” I purse my lips and send myself the picture from his phone. Brief memories, just in case.
After a short walk through the narrow, cobblestone streets of the city center we make it to the iconic store. According to him, it’s the oldest mask shop in Venice, and I can see why. In the glass front display, dozens of masks are beautifully showcased. There are feathered bird masks, theatre ones on hand-held sticks, and a huge variety of Venetian masks, both half and full-face. Inside, Ca’ Macana is a sprawling building, filled with masks hanging from the ceiling to the walls and spread over several tables. The place is brimming with jewels, sequins, and lace.
We are perusing the masks when I see Alex come up behind me in the mirror reflection. His expression is amused, and he has something hidden behind his back.
“Close your eyes. I want to put this mask on you. I think you’re gonna love it.”
Biting my lip, I close my eyes and feel his rough fingers sliding the mask onto my face, hooking it behind my ears. He squeezes my shoulders lightly and turns me to face the mirror.
“You can open them now,” he whispers, much closer to my ear than I thought he was. I jump, but then open my eyes, expecting something sexy and regal.
It’s a clown mask, red nose and all.
“Alex!” I screech, turning to smack him on the chest, much to the disgust of the other shop patrons who scowl at us. Alex cackles, shielding himself from me before he grips my shoulders again, holding me at arm’s length.
“Okay, okay… I’m sorry. I have a real one. I just couldn’t resist. Close your eyes again.”
I huff and cross my arms but close my eyes for him. He takes off the clown mask and settles something lighter on my face.
“Open.”
When I open my eyes this time, the mask is much more in line with what I expected. Around my eyes the mask is a delicate black lace, allowing my ivory skin to peek through the whorls of the lace, but as it sweeps up past my temples, the lace becomes solid silver wings that extend nearly four inches past the sides of my face. The wings are an almost weightless metal. The mask is not gaudily adorned, rather, it’s simple but striking beauty stands alone.
I gasp quietly, trailing my fingers up the wings on the sides of the mask.
“Alex, it’s incredible…”
“I thought so too.” He smooths my hair back, tucking it behind my ears. “You’re very striking in it, little Petra.”
His praise has me glowing, and my choice of mask is decided. Alex picks a full bronze metal mask that frames his full lips in a “U” shape as it ends in points on his cheeks. His mask is decorated in raised, subtle swirls. It’s masculine without being plain, and the bronze sets off his tawny skin and dark hair perfectly. He looks like a sun god, cocky and almost too handsome to behold.
The cashier carefully bags up our purchases, wrapping them delicately in tissue paper to protect them. To my surprise, Alex threads his fingers through mine as we exit the shop. The sun is dipping below the horizon, and the sky is painted in warm pinks and oranges.
“Now, wife, let’s prepare for this enormous mess you’ve gotten us into.”
I step back from the gilded mirror hanging over the vanity in my room and inspect my reflection with approval. I was a little concerned about getting ready on my own, since I’m so unfamiliar with the masquerade we are going to, but I had shaken off my insecurities and set to work making myself as delectable as possible. If I can’t seduce Alex tonight, I might as well just throw in the towel.
My gown is form fitting, flaring gently at the base, with a plunging sweetheart neckline. It’s not what I’m used to, but I followed Yara’s advice, and got a more daring dress than I’d usually go for. This one creates a see-through illusion, and when I first put it on, I was almost embarrassed at how convincing the illusion was. The inner slip of the dress is a flesh color that matches my skin perfectly, and the upper layer is swirling with intricate black lace and sheer. The effect had taken my breath away. It really looked like I was naked under the dress!
Not wanting to distract from the effect of the gown, I opted for a simple, silk, black choker, and large, natural-looking ringlets in my hair. I left it to hang loose besides two French braids at my temples that meet on the back of my head and are secured with a tie. This will allow me to wear my mask and not worry about my hair getting caught, and I have a feeling I will not want any distractions tonight. I finish the outfit off with a pair of black stilettos with a shining silver heel.
Taking a deep breath, I slowly unwrap my mask, turning it back and forth in my hands, making the silver portions catch the yellow light of the room. It looks too beautiful to wear, like something that should be hidden behind glass at a museum. I’ve never been to a masquerade before, and it’s a little intimidating while also sending a secret chill through me. After all, with this mask on, I can act however I desire, and no one would ever know it’s me! Well, everyone but Alex.
Speaking of which, a quiet knock sounds at my door. I look over myself one final time.
“Come in!” I call, sitting the mask down on the vanity.
The door cracks open and Alex walks in, dressed in an impeccable tux, black on black and tailored to fit perfectly. It nips close to his waist, accentuating his fit body even under the layers of his formal wear. I feel tingly all over, raking him from head to toe with my eyes. Alex is equally invested in what I’m wearing, but not as shocked. He’s always been so much better than me at hiding his emotions.
I give him a quick spin, the bottom of the skirt twisting in the air. “How do I look?”
“You look stunning, as I’m sure you know.” His compliment sounds polite and contained, like he’s just saying that for the sake of civility. To my surprise though, he walks forward to take my hand in his and brush his lips over my knuckles. I shiver, the touch of his lips barely there but enough to affect me.
“Thanks,” I tell him softly. “You look pretty handsome, too.”
“All I can say is don’t get too attached to the dress.”
I pull at the fabric. “This dress? Why? I bought it, not rented it.”